Jonathan Chow 11/26/15 Jonathan Chow 11/26/15

2015 LA Autoshow

Every year around Thanksgiving I try to make it to the LA Autoshow, the best car show in the US. Here's just a brief highlight of some of what was shown this year.

A Volkswagen interpreation of the Mystery Machine

Jonathan Chow 5/27/14 Jonathan Chow 5/27/14

Car Spotlight / Track Attack NA6

It's no ASM or Evasive/Voltex, but the spirit of track attack is definitely strong with this one.

Jonathan Chow 4/16/14 Jonathan Chow 4/16/14

Function Fitment

Lately in automotive culture the actions by the "stance" folks have caused an uproar over what has essentially become a form vs function debate. Some believe in order to achieve a certain look, some of the vehicle's function must be compromised while others believe that in order for a vehicle to function properly, it must not go beyond certain limitations that the "form" crowd finds to be too mild for their tastes. And so, like Imports VS Domestics, it is implied that an enthusiast must choose a side. However, there are those such as myself who believe both goals can be achieved simultaneously. A car can be set up to improve it's performance AND improve the looks at the same time, a functional fitment that betters the form.

But, then again, I also believe if it isn't your car, you shouldn't have a say in how a car is treated, so I just avoid that whole battle altogether.

Jonathan Chow 2/1/14 Jonathan Chow 2/1/14

Car Spotlight / Calvin Wan's FD

I've been following Formula D since '05 and for better or worst, it always had a unique style of cars. In the beginning there were a few cars brought in from other series such as D1, but for the most part Formula D cars are best described as, well, FD cars. A little street, a little factory race car, a little JDM and a little USDM. The result is a motorsport series with a long history of cars with unique personalities that become fused with the driver's driving style. Forsberg has his Nissan Z's, Vaughn Gitten has his Mustangs, and OG Calvin Wan will always have his Mazda FD. With exception of the A'PEXi RX-7, no other FD is as iconic in the series. Like a vintage Le Mans racer, it's always a real treat to see such a well known retired car back in action like it was the good ole days.